Dangerous caffeine jolt attracts youth

Friday

Sep 5, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Caffeine powder in today's world is considered a dietary supplement and can be easily purchased over the Web for less than $20, said Dr. Leroy Nickles, the director of the emergency department at Pocono Medical Center.

STACY M. BROWN

Caffeine powder in today's world is considered a dietary supplement and can be easily purchased over the Web for less than $20, said Dr. Leroy Nickles, the director of the emergency department at Pocono Medical Center.

Caffeine acts naturally as a stimulant and increases alertness, enhances mood and concentration, and even small amounts could make you extremely hyper, with heightened alertness, and you can become jittery with a fast heart rate, Nickles said.

"Students often use caffeine powder during studying periods, especially around exam time," Nickles said. "All stimulants, for the most part, can be lethal, since they can race the heart, causing dangerous heart arrhythmias, which could lead to cardiac arrest and death, vomiting and seizures."

The sudden death in May of a high school senior, who medical officials considered to be healthy, has focused attention on unregulated caffeine powder.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings for consumers to avoid caffeine powder until the agency gathers further details.

Reportedly, however, the autopsy of the student, 18-year-old Logan Stiner, revealed that he had a potent amount of caffeine in his system when he died at his Cleveland-area home. The coroner's report said Stiner, an athlete, had as much as 23 times the amount of caffeine in his system found in a typical coffee or soda.

Also, the FDA said it is concerned about the popularity of caffeine powder among those who love to workout and among young people who are trying to boost their energy levels.

In a statement, the FDA said it is, "concerned about powdered pure caffeine sold in bulk bags over the Internet."

"The FDA is aware of at least one death of a teenager who used these products. These products are essentially 100 percent caffeine. A single teaspoon of pure caffeine is roughly equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee," the agency's statement said.

Several online sites selling caffeine powder did not return calls or emails.

Pure caffeine is a powerful stimulant, and very small amounts may cause accidental overdose. It's sold as a dietary supplement, and FDA spokeswoman Jennifer Doreen said parents should be aware that these products may be attractive to young people.

Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, stupor and disorientation. These symptoms are likely to be much more severe than those resulting from drinking too much coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages.

"Like most of these drugs teens are using, parents need to have a heightened awareness of their child appearing hyper and irritable, especially after the caffeine wears off," Nickles said.

"They also should monitor the shakes and supplements their kids are using prior to working out or competing in sports, as it may give them that extra boost of energy just prior to the game."

From energy drinks and shots and now caffeine powder, these popular products have long been used among teens and adults alike to help increase alertness and enhance performance. Though they are a widely accepted stimulant, each pose a real health risk if not used carefully, said public relations specialist Katie Snyder. She represents several health clubs and cardiologists.

"Most energy drinks not only deliver a stiff dose of caffeine, sometimes as much caffeine as in one to three cups of coffee, but also a massive dose of sugar. This combination can be dangerous and possibly lethal," Snyder said.

Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist from the E! Television show "What's Eating You," said there's a laundry list of symptoms young people can face, including the aforementioned high blood pressure, heart attacks and headaches.

"Routinely downing drinks and shots can increase systolic blood pressure to dangerous levels and, if you have high blood pressure, a heart rhythm problem or other health concerns, you could have more heart-related side effects from consuming one or more of the drinks or shots on a regular basis," Wolfson said.

According to the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, headaches are the most common side effects among energy drink consumers. Research also shows it leaves energy-drink users with "jolt-and-crash" episodes.

"Extreme caffeine manipulation, such as caffeine powder products, is likely a result of Americans higher stimulant tolerances and caffeine abuse. The need for speed can also come from dehydration, where the body can feel overly fatigued and lethargic," said nutritionist, celebrity chef and author Mareya Ibrahim.

"Parents and teens need to moderate their family's caffeine intake, and create a natural, healthy, energy-producing diet rich with fruits, vegetables, water and healthy proteins. Deprivation of vital nutrients can exacerbate energy cravings and often are mistaken by young people for a desire for more stimulants," Ibrahim said.

FDA officials remain adamant that pure caffeine products are potentially dangerous, and serious adverse events can result, including death. Those with pre-existing heart conditions are cautioned not to use such products at all.

The agency said it's impossible to accurately measure powdered caffeine with common kitchen measuring tools and anyone can easily consume a lethal amount.

"There are a few more on the market that young adults use as well. Pure caffeine is very potent; hence just a small amount could kill someone, as it did with the teenager in Ohio. Hopefully, the FDA will hurry and restrict the Internet sale of this product, especially since it's so cheap and easy to get," Nickles said.

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